The Restoring Hope and Resilience workshops were carried out in
Damascus and Homs in November 2025, bringing together mental health
professionals, students, and community leaders to explore practical,
culturally aware approaches to trauma recovery and resilience-building.
The workshops were designed to share concepts and equip participants with
practical tools to understand trauma and foster hope and resilience. We aimed
to create a supportive space for reflection and shared learning that mirrored
what participants can do in their own communities. Rather than offering
“final answers,” each workshop served as one step in the broader process of
supporting individual and collective recovery. Both sessions shared the same
content, adapted to each group’s background and experience.
Restoring Hope and Resilience — Damascus
Tuesday 4 November 2025, 9am – 5pm · Damascus, Syria
The Damascus session brought together a diverse group of professionals and
students committed to supporting psychological healing and community
rebuilding. Participants explored trauma-informed approaches, resilience
concepts, and practical strategies to support others in their everyday
environments.
The workshop emphasised shared learning, open dialogue, and the importance
of building local capacity — ensuring that the tools learned can be applied
within neighbourhoods, classrooms, clinics, and community groups. It was
delivered in English with Arabic supporting notes, with lunch and
refreshments provided.
Restoring Hope and Resilience — Homs
Thursday 6 November 2025, 9am – 5pm · Homs, Syria
Like the Damascus session, the Homs workshop gathered mental health
practitioners, psychology students, and community leaders. Participants
engaged in reflective discussions, practical exercises, and group activities
aimed at strengthening emotional wellbeing within their communities.
This workshop supported collaboration and connection across backgrounds,
recognising that collective healing is strongest when communities learn
together and support one another. Delivered in English with Arabic
supporting notes, it provided a welcoming and safe environment for shared
learning and practical skill-building.
Workshops planned for 2027
We are planning further Restoring Hope and Resilience workshops in
2027, building on what we learned in Damascus and Homs.
We would also welcome the chance to work with local partners — organisations,
universities, clinics, and community groups — on running workshops in their
own settings. If that sounds like your work, we would like to hear from you.
